Kullu’s Shruti More honoured with Sant Ishwar award

Dr Shruti More Bhardwaj from Kullu has been conferred with the prestigious Sant Ishwar Award, India’s largest service honour, for exceptional work on early intervention in the disability sector, and pioneering India’s first mobile therapy van.

The awards were conferred in a grand ceremony held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, on October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.

The event celebrated 17 individuals from various fields — including art, literature, environment, health and education — who have made remarkable contributions to society.

Among these was Dr Bhardwaj, who initially wasted to pursue a career abroad, but returned to Kullu after her encounter with a disabled girl, who was facing difficulty during menstruation.

This experience ignited her passion for helping needy children, leading her to work with a local NGO and eventually establish the Sanfiya Foundation, which operates the Ash Child Development Centre.

Her initiative includes launching ‘Therapy on Wheels’, a mobile service to reach underserved areas, with plans to extend operations to Chamba and Lahaul soon.

The ceremony featured notable attendees, including Mahamandaleshwar Gita Manishi Swami Shri Gyananand Ji Maharaj, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

The Sant Ishwar Foundation emphasised the values of ‘Ahimsa Parmo Dharma’ and ‘Ahar Nisham Seva Mahe’, honouring those dedicated to selfless service.

Rijiju also noted the irony of social media influencers overshadowing people who genuinely contribute to society, urging the media to promote positive stories. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav acknowledged the unique ethos of service in India.